Government "to acquire nuclear-powered submarine in 10 years"... Securing nuclear fuel is the big...

[Anchor] The government has announced plans to build nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s, but the challenges ahead are formidable. Securing nuclear fuel and dispelling the international community's concerns about nuclear proliferation appear to be the biggest hurdles. Reporter Kim Moon-kyung reports. [Reporter] We will launch a nuclear-powered submarine domestically in the mid-2030s and deploy the first operational submarine in the late 2030s. This is the roadmap for the nuclear-powered submarine announced by the government. Under the name 'Jang보고 N Project,' this marks the first official government announcement of the nuclear-powered submarine construction plan. [Ahn Kyu-baek / Minister of National Defense: We will independently pursue the development of nuclear-powered submarines based on world-class technology in the nuclear and shipbuilding sectors. Our government will name this nuclear-powered submarine development project the Jang보고 N Project.] The timeline from concept studies to system development is just over 10 years. However, the challenges that must be resolved are also significant. The first issue being raised is the problem of securing nuclear fuel for submarines. The goal is to secure a supply of low-enriched uranium with an enrichment level of less than 20% with U.S. approval; however, since the existing ROK-U.S. Nuclear Agreement covers civilian use, such as nuclear power plants, a separate agreement is required. In addition, there is the formidable task of persuading nuclear non-proliferation advocates within the United States. [Moon Geun-sik / Distinguished Professor, Hanyang University: If the U.S. Congress documents its approval for military use, then they can cooperate with the IAEA based on that documentation...] The government maintains that there is no concern about nuclear proliferation because the submarines use nuclear power but are equipped with conventional weapons; however, there are observations that there is significant concern within the U.S. that this could set a precedent and lead to demands from other countries. The budget is also a problem. It is projected that over 20 trillion won in defense spending will be invested over the next 10 years. [Park Hong-keun / Minister of Planning and Budget: We will establish an investment plan in stages. Although this is just an estimate, there is talk that it could cost up to 28.9 trillion won in the future.] For this reason, there are calls for a 'Special Act on Nuclear Submarines' to ensure that it does not affect other defense capability improvement projects. Furthermore, as President Trump, who advocates for "America First," has designated Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Philadelphia, USA, rather than domestic construction in Korea, the possibility remains that further consultations will be necessary. The government, having designated nuclear-powered submarines as a national strategic project, appears set to devote all its efforts to dispelling international concerns about nuclear proliferation and securing nuclear fuel during the upcoming negotiations with the United States. This is Kim Moon-kyung from YTN. Cameraman: Kang Young-kwan Video Editor: Jung Chi-yoon YTN Kim Moon-kyung ([email protected]) ※ 'Your Tip Becomes News' [KakaoTalk] Search for YTN and add the channel [Phone] 02-398-8585 [Email] [email protected] ▶ Original Article: https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0101_202605... ▶ Send a Tip: https://mj.ytn.co.kr/mj/mj_write.php ▣ Subscribe to YTN YouTube Channel: http://goo.gl/Ytb5SZ ⓒ YTN Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use of AI data are prohibited.